Throughout high school, Kennedy has reached out to others, from tutoring students at his old elementary school to assisting families in need. Each opportunity has been a humbling and learning experience.

"It feels extremely good," he says. "Everything a person does in his or her life is done for a reason. I get to help people, and it's what I love doing."

Audrey Ennis, family counselor at Seagull Alternative High School in Fort Lauderdale: Kennedy volunteered for our parent empowerment and appreciation day, an annual event held during the month of November, before Thanksgiving Day.

Kennedy volunteered his time serving food and distributing groceries. He worked very hard. He's very considerate and helpful to others without expecting something in return.

Kennedy also participated in group activities by uniting students, parents and community partners from diverse backgrounds.

Sonya Johnson, mother: Kennedy is a very caring individual. He has tutored elementary school students and served on the school's debate team.

I am raising a young man who will be attending Virginia State University in the fall on a presidential STEM scholarship. He will be studying biomedical engineering.

He was always an inquisitive learner, always caring. He always listens. He's just a good kid. He's very compassionate. If you ask him, he will help. He will open doors. He's a gentleman. He's polite and very humble. I know he will be very successful.

Kennedy James: I used to walk over to my old elementary school and tutor the students last year, and it was a great experience. I'm on the debate team this year. It's helped me hone my leadership skills and establish public speaking skills to express myself in front of large crowds. It's helped mold me into the person I am today.

I've also done a variety of activities to help kids in need. I volunteered at a development center when I was younger, assisting people in need. I've participated in feeding the homeless and putting together backpacks of school supplies for students in need.

At Seagull, the thing that made me want to go was community service. It made me grateful for having supportive family and friends. I saw people living a much tougher life than I have. It was a humbling experience.

I am compassionate about whatever event I am doing. I like the things that happen throughout my life, learning from them and passing them on to other people.

I like being helpful. I like being humble about certain situations and learning from it.